Tarp / cover for storing kayak outside

Hi - I'm new to this forum, so apologies if this is already well covered, but...I'm storing my Kayak (Hobie Compass) outside. What's a good way to cover it? I was planning to lean it against my fence, attach a heavy duty tarp (say 16 to 22 mm)  towards the top of my fence and drape it over the kayak, so it would not be tight fitting, the front and end would be open (so it could "breathe" and the water could evaporate...and because it is easier). Is this good enough?

It seems like a tight fitting kayak cover would trap moisture and heat. And some are a bit pricey (compared to a tarp).

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated!

I think it should be fine.

I'm partial to the nice canvas ones they often sell at ACE stores.
One thing to watch out for (unless you have a barn cat) is that mice or rats don't begin using it as shelter.

Thank you!

White or reflective is important if there is going to be much sun.   Dark colored gets eaten up pretty quick and is hotter.

Be careful about storing it on its side because it can deform over time. Also, if you ever have a warranty claim the first thing Hobie will ask is how it was stored. Better to store it upside down on a couple of 4x4s or something to keep it off the ground.

Tarps are cheaper and more durable but my yaks quickly get covered with dust, leaves, and spiderwebs. Covers keep the yak clean but cost more and deteriorate quickly if exposed to direct sun, even the white and reflective ones I used. So I guess the ideal solution if you can't store indoors would be a tarp for shade and cover to keep the kayak clean, although dust still got in through the covers. I just store them in a remote storage unit now.

Probably best to store it upside down, but I've kept my Revo 13 on it's side on a rubber mat leaning on a fence for many years and it's been totally fine.  It's in a shady spot in SF so it never gets long sun exposure or gets too hot.

I've kept them on their side and upside down for >12 years without issues.  it's when I left them right side up in the sun that my bottom warped 

I store my main AI right-side up on PVC bunks on a trailer, while my backup is hanging upside down under the deck. I've never had any warping issues.

IMHO, the best way to support any Hobie is right-side up on a pair of PVC pipes that run lengthwise. Besides being super-cheap, if you let the PVC flex a little bit in the middle, the bunks form nicely to the hull, and provide better support than the official Hobie cradles.

Wow - such a great info. Thank you all!!! I went out this morning at paradise in Tiburon. I got a monster (well - for fish stories, at least). But I missed it twice with my net and on its third dive my leader broke. D’oh!!!I’ll be out there tomorrow and Sunday (and Monday) until I get a keeper!

I built a rectangular box out of 2x4. I used pipe insulation and zip ties for some additional cushion where the kayak rest on top of the framing. My hobie sleeps up side down under a tarp. It’s not ideal, however it’s been working well for the last four years even.

There aren't a ton of low cost options out there but I settled on this one for my revo:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B092J2W9H6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

It fully zips which is nice because I did not want spiders and bugs to get in. I feel that would be the case with one of the elastic ones.

My 3 month review is that it feels worth the price. Its water resistant, not water proof. I store it on Kayak cradles, zipper down, so any water that does penetrate has a chance to drip out. It's supposed to be UV resistant too, but we'll see if it stand the test of time. If have to drop $60 every couple years to replace it, I'm fine with that, so long as I get to keep my garage floor kayak-free 

Wow - such a great info. Thank you all!!! I went out this morning at paradise in Tiburon. I got a monster (well - for fish stories, at least). But I missed it twice with my net and on its third dive my leader broke. D’oh!!!I’ll be out there tomorrow and Sunday (and Monday) until I get a keeper!

Also, I was out at Paradise with a few NCKAers on Saturday too, if you made it out. Perhaps we crossed paths, as there were not a ton of kayakers out that day. Sorry about your lost monster. It will keep you coming back for more, for sure. 

Thanks! Yes I was out at paradise on Saturday from 6 am to 9:30 am ish. I saw and spoke with a couple of other kayakers.  I was asking for advice and tips. Maybe you gave me some! I went out on Sunday and caught two stripers and finally one halibut! I’ll probably go out on Wednesday too.